Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Drugs, oxygen therapy and surgery can relieve your symptoms.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

COPD – or chronic constructive pulmonary disease – is a condition that makes it hard for you to breathe. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main types of COPD.

What causes COPD?

Long-term exposure to substances that irritate and damage the lungs. Cigarette smoke is the most common cause. Air pollution, chemical fumes or dust also can cause the condition.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath (especially with physical activity) and a cough that produces a lot of mucus. At first, COPD may cause no symptoms or mild ones. But as the disease gets worse, symptoms become more severe.

How does Ohio State diagnose COPD?

Doctors use lung function, imaging and blood tests.

How does Ohio State treat COPD?

There is no cure, but treatment – including medicines, oxygen therapy, surgery or lung transplants – can relieve symptoms. The best remedy, however, is to quit smoking.

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